Patient Information

What is MRI?

Since its introduction in the early 1980's, MRI has emerged as an imaging technology that is excellent for diagnosing of brains, spines, knees, etc. with technology that is continually changing. We offer the latest MRI technology available today. MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a unique procedure that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to look inside the human body. It is an important addition to existing diagnostic tools because it is a painless procedure which offers your physician unprecedented detailed images of the human body without using ionizing radiation (x-rays). The procedure works with radio waves directed at protons in your body. The protons are first "excited" and then "relaxed" the relaxed state generates radio signals, which can be computer-processed to form an image. The MRI image shows differences in the water content and distribution in various body tissues. Even different types of tissue within the same organ, such as the gray and white matter of the brain can be distinguished. Typically a MRI exam consists of two to six imaging sequences, each lasting two to fifteen minutes. Each sequence has its own degree of contrast and shows a cross section of the body.

Hallmark Health Imaging offers the best of High Field MR Imaging along with Open MRI.

High Field MRI

Open MRI

Claustrophobic Patients

If you are claustrophobic, the CHEM Center now has an open magnet. The Hitachi Airis II magnet is open on four sides, which minimizes anxiety and claustrophobia. This design also allows you to have a family member or friend with you at your side during the exam to comfort you further.

Anyone concerned about the exam is welcome to come by the Center prior to his or her scan in order to view the magnets and to speak with our staff.

Films/Reports

If you need additional films or copies of your report, please call us ahead of time. A charge may apply if you have already received them at the time of your scan. Calling ahead will assure your films will be ready. It takes the center additional time today to prepare them as most cases are handled electronically or are off site.

If you have any questions please call 781-279-2213.

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Tests & Sample Images

MRI is a convenient and safe diagnostic procedure for most patients. During the scan, you experience no physical sensations. There is a loud knocking sound, which is the sound of the switching of the magnetic fields. This sound can be minimized by the use of earplugs.

Most exams do not require any preparation except for MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) which require that you have nothing to eat or drink after midnight. Take medications as prescribed.

Some exams performed may require an injection of a contrast agent known as gadolinium. This contrast agent enhances areas in the body that will aid the radiologist in the interpretation of your exam. If you would like to know if you require an injection, please call the CHEM Center for MRI at 781-279-2213.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Brain MR ImagingMRI of the brain is the procedure recognized as yielding the most diagnostic information for evaluation of many brain diseases and anomalies. The spectacular high resolution images allow radiologists to view lesions as small as 1mm.

Cervical MR ImagingMRI of the spine has been the procedure recognized as yielding the most diagnostic information for evaluation of primary or metastatic tumors of the spinal cord. MR imaging of other anatomical structures of the spinal cord such as nerve roots, neural foramina, ligament and disc spaces is further enhanced by exceptional resolution and contrast without bone artifacts which are common in CAT scan procedures. MR provides a highly effective alternative to myelography.

Thoracic MR ImagingMRI of the spine has long been the procedure recognized as yielding the most diagnostic information for evaluation of primary or metastatic tumors of the spinal cord. MR imaging of other anatomical structures of the spinal cord such as nerve roots, neural foramina, ligament and disc spaces is further enhanced by exceptional resolution and contrast without bone artifacts which are common in CAT scan procedures. MR provides a highly effective alternative to myelography.

Lumbar MR ImagingMRI of the spine has long been the procedure recognized as yielding the most diagnostic information for evaluation of primary or metastatic tumors of the spinal cord. MR imaging of other anatomical structures of the spinal cord such as nerve roots, neural foramina, ligament and disc spaces is further enhanced by exceptional resolution and contrast without bone artifacts which are common in CAT scan procedures. MR provides a highly effective alternative to myelography.

It is also useful in post-operative patients to distinguish between scar and recurrent disc disease in which you will receive a contrast injection.

Shoulder MR ImagingMRI offers the best of all imaging because of its superior contrast differentiation between muscle, fat, vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, cortical bone marrow and marrow bone space. High-resolution imaging techniques provide unparalleled detail of the menisci and ligaments.

Elbow MR ImagingMRI offers the best of all imaging because of its superior contrast differentiation between muscle, fat, vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, cortical bone marrow and marrow bone space. High-resolution imaging techniques provide unparalleled detail of the menisci and ligaments.

Wrist ImagingMRI offers the best of all imaging because of its superior contrast differentiation between muscle, fat, vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, cortical bone marrow and marrow bone space. High-resolution imaging techniques provide unparalleled detail of the menisci and ligaments.

Liver MR ImagingMRI of the liver offers unmatched sensitivity to pathology compared to CT in the detection of primary and metastatic liver tumors. Abdominal MR, has been radically improved with recent software and hardware innovations which provides faster imaging techniques.

MRCP (Magnetic Resonance CholangioPancreatography)MRI of the biliary system has advantages over traditional methods. MRCP has been radically improved with recent software and hardware innovations, which provides faster imaging techniques. The use of this technique aids in the detection of gall bladder and pancreatic duct obstructions.

Pelvis MR ImagingMRI of the pelvis offers the advantages of improved soft tissue discrimination and absence of bone artifacts. It aids in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors and soft tissue masses. Also, without the use of ionizing radiation, MRI provides for safe imaging of the reproductive organ of adults.

Knee MR ImagingMRI offers the best of all imaging because of its superior contrast differentiation between muscle, fat, vessels, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, cortical bone marrow and marrow bone space. MRI also displays excellent delineation of tumors of soft tissue and bone as well as avascular necrosis of bone. High-resolution imaging techniques provide unparalleled detail of the menisci and ligaments.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Brain and Carotid MRAMRA is a non-invasive procedure that provides the capability to visualize the vascular structures of the human body. The images are reconstructed using a technique that enables three-dimensional viewing. It is useful in the diagnosing of aneurysms, vascular malformations, occlusions, stenosis, thrombosis, and vascular tumors.

Renal MRAMRA is a procedure that provides the capability to visualize the vascular structures of the human body. This exam requires the injection of a contrast agent. The images are reconstructed using a technique that enables three-dimensional viewing. It is useful in the diagnosing of aneurysms, vascular malformations, occlusions, stenosis, thrombosis, and vascular tumors.

Lower Extremity MRAMRA is a procedure that provides the capability to visualize the vascular structures of the human body. This exam requires the injection of a contrast agent. The images are reconstructed using a technique that enables three-dimensional viewing. It is useful in the diagnosing of aneurysms, vascular malformations, occlusions, stenosis, thrombosis, and vascular tumors.